Espresso machine cleaning tool

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for cleaning an espresso machine includes a brush head attached to a neck. The brush head includes a longitudinal axis that is perpendicular to that of the neck. The neck extends along a first longitudinal axis for a length and is attached to a handle section that includes a second longitudinal axis which extends away from the brush head at a greater angle than the neck. A plurality of annular rings prevents scalding water from traversing past the neck and reaching the handle section, where a user is adapted to grasp the apparatus. A protrusion is included, as desired, to clean the orifice of a steamer wand. Various possible enhancements include ergonomic grip surfaces on the handle section, replacement component parts, and dual cleaning surfaces.

This patent application claims the benefit of priority date ofProvisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/513,417 that was filed onOct. 21, 2003 by inventor Jeffrey M. Pelo entitled, “Espresso MachineCleaning Tool”.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention, in general, relates to cleaning devices and, moreparticularly, to a hand-held tool for cleaning an espresso machine.

Espresso machines are currently well known types of devices that areused to create espresso beverages. The process of creating an espressobeverage is often referred to as “brewing”, although technically brewingis not a precise term. The word “espresso”, according to Webster, means,“to press out, express” and the process, again according to Webster,involves the use of steam. As these differences are not critical to anunderstanding of the instant invention, the term “brew” or “brewing” isused herein to indicate whenever an espresso beverage is created.

An espresso beverage includes an aqueous extract of the coffee bean. Thebeverages are, of course, consumed by people. Therefore, frequent andperiodic cleaning of the espresso machine is required. This is true ifthe espresso machine is individually owned and it is especially true forcommercial espresso machines.

Commercial coffee houses, for example, which are the primary users ofcommercial types of espresso machines, must follow a strict regimen ofcleaning their espresso machines. Failure to do so can, at best, impedethe proper functioning of the espresso machine and, at worst, can fosterthe growth of bacteria which could be harmful to the consumer. On a lesssevere, yet especially practical level, an unclean espresso machine mayinclude an oily coffee related residue that can have a deleteriouseffect on the taste of any created (i.e., brewed) espresso beverage. Theespresso beverage derived from a clean espresso machine simply tastesbetter.

The cleaning regimen typically requires the use of a precise amount ofpowdered espresso machine detergent, which is specifically made for thatpurpose.

However, several problems currently exist that affect the cleaning ofespresso machines, commercial and privately owned. As an example, peoplein commercial coffee houses do not typically accurately measure theproper amount of detergent that is required.

A variable quantity of detergent is obtained and inserted into theespresso machine. As a result, either too little detergent is often usedand the espresso machine is not adequately cleaned or too much detergentis often used, which causes waste. If too much detergent is used, theexcess may tend to precipitate out of the solution and leave a residuethat can affect the taste of the next several espresso beverages brewed.Worse yet, the residue can be transferred to the brewed espressobeverage where it, subsequently, will be ingested.

Accordingly, a need to measure a proper quantity of detergent isrequired.

Also, the current prior art cleaning devices include “all-purpose” typesof brushes that leave much to be desired.

Prior art brushes are unable to clean the small orifice in the “steamerwand” conduit. The small orifice is difficult to clean. Furthermore,anything that is used to clean such an orifice is subject, as well, towear and breakage, and it is desirable to be able to replace a worn partof an optimally designed cleaning tool.

Similarly, commercial espresso machines include “group heads” that areaccessible for cleaning after a “portafilter”, as is well known in theespresso machine arts, has been removed. Prior art brushes areineffective at cleaning group heads for a variety of reasons. The angleand location of a cleaning head of a brush with respect to a handle isnot ideal for a user to optimally clean the group heads.

Also, hot, scalding water tends to scald the hand of the user. This hasbeen a previously unsolvable problem because it is necessary to accessparts of the espresso machine from an elevation that is below certain ofthe components that are to be cleaned (i.e., the group heads).Accordingly, the handle or prior art devices must angle downward.Capillary action encourages the hot water that is flowing through theespresso machine to traverse the length of prior art cleaning brushesand scald the user.

This is a liability issue for commercial coffee houses, as well as adeterrent that encourages the user to accomplish a less than diligentcleaning effort of the espresso machine, less the user be burned in theprocess of attempting to clean the machine properly.

Optimum bristle placement and length are not provided by the prior artdevices. Similarly, the prior art devices do not allow for userselection of these important variables. For example, one brand ofespresso machine may best be cleaned by a particular length and type ofbristle that is not as effective when it is used to clean another brand(i.e., another type) of espresso machine.

Also, the bristles tend to wear out periodically and prior art brushesdo not allow replacement. Rather, the entire brush must be discarded andreplaced when the bristles wear.

For some cleaning applications, these desired improvements and benefitsare more desirable when they are available in a less-expensivedisposable type of a device. For example, a homeowner who seldom usesand cleans his espresso machine may still want the benefit of anespresso machine cleaning device that prevents scalding but does notnecessarily need the benefit of replaceable parts for his cleaningdevice because it is unlikely that any cleaning device part will needreplacement during the useful life of the espresso machine itself.

Accordingly, there exists today a need for an espresso machine cleaningtool that helps ameliorate the above-mentioned problems anddifficulties.

Clearly, such an apparatus would be a useful and desirable device.

2. Description of Prior Art

General purpose cleaning brushes are, in general, known. Any hardware orhome supply store has a selection from which to choose. While thestructural arrangements of the above-described devices may, at firstappearance, have similarities with the present invention, they differ inmaterial respects. These differences, which will be described in moredetail hereinafter, are essential for the effective use of the inventionand which admit of the advantages that are not available with the knowprior devices.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an espresso machinecleaning tool that is effective at cleaning an espresso machine.

It is also an important object of the invention to provide an espressomachine cleaning tool that is adapted to clean various component partsof an espresso machine.

Another object of the invention is to provide an espresso machinecleaning tool that is held in a hand of a user.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an espresso machinecleaning tool that prevents capillary action from conveying a fluid froma head of the tool to a handle portion of the tool where it might injurea user.

Still yet another object of the invention is to provide an espressomachine cleaning tool that prevents capillary action from conveying ahot fluid from a head of the tool to a handle portion of the tool whereit might scald a user.

Yet another important object of the invention is to provide an espressomachine cleaning tool that includes at least one annular ring disposedalong a neck of the tool, whereby the annular ring reduces an amount offluid that is adapted to traverse an exterior length of the neck andreach a handle portion.

Still yet another important object of the invention is to provide anespresso machine cleaning tool that includes a replaceable brush.

A first continuing object of the invention is to provide an espressomachine cleaning tool that includes a measuring scoop attached thereto.

A second continuing object of the invention is to provide an espressomachine cleaning tool that includes a first brush disposed on one sideof a neck and a second brush disposed on an opposite side of the neck.

A third continuing object of the invention is to provide an espressomachine cleaning tool that includes a first cleaning surface disposed onone side of a neck and a second cleaning surface disposed on an oppositeside of the neck.

A fourth continuing object of the invention is to provide an espressomachine cleaning tool that includes a longitudinal neck portion and alongitudinal handle portion and wherein an intermediate angletherebetween is acute.

A fifth continuing object of the invention is to provide an espressomachine cleaning tool that can itself be cleaned by conventional methodsincluding placement of the tool in a dishwasher.

A sixth continuing object of the invention is to provide an espressomachine cleaning tool that includes a protrusion for cleaning a steamerwand orifice.

Briefly, an espresso machine cleaning tool that is constructed inaccordance with the principles of the present invention has a handlethat is used to grasp the tool and a neck that is attached at one endthereof to one end of the handle. An opposite end of the neck includes abrush head. A plurality of bristles are attached to the brush head. Theneck includes a first longitudinal axis and the handle section includesa second longitudinal axis. An acute angle is formed intermediate thefirst and second longitudinal axes. A plurality of annular ringsprevents hot water from traversing along the neck and eventuallyreaching the handle section. A protrusion that is used to clean theorifice of a steamer wand extends from the tool, where desired.Ergonomic grip surfaces for use on the handle, replacement componentparts, and dual cleaning surfaces are also described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an espresso machine cleaning tool.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the espresso machine cleaning tool as shown inFIG. 1 as seen along the lines 2-2 therein.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first modified type of an espressomachine cleaning tool.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second modified type of an espressomachine cleaning tool.

FIG. 5 is side view of a third modified type of an espresso machinecleaning tool with a removable brush head, a portion thereof being shownin cross-section.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the third modified type of espresso machinecleaning tool that is shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a fourth modified type of espresso machinecleaning tool that includes a modified cleaning surface.

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view, taken along the line 8-8 of FIG. 7 ofan annular ring used to deflect fluid.

FIG. 8B is view in perspective of a section of the neck of the device ofFIG. 7, showing a plurality of the annular rings.

FIG. 9A is a detail view of the brush head of the device of FIG. 5,having been removed from the device.

FIG. 9B is a view partially in cross-section of the brush head of FIG.9A.

FIG. 10 is detailed side view of the device of FIG. 5, partially incross-section, showing the lines of flow of water being deflected awayfrom a handle portion of the device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to all of the drawings and now in particular to both FIG. 1and FIG. 2 is shown, an espresso machine cleaning tool, identified ingeneral by the reference numeral 10.

Any of the component parts of the espresso machine cleaning tool 10 areformed of any desired material including, but not limited to, machinedor molded plastic, wood, metal, composite materials, combinationsthereof, etc. The material used for any component part is a designvariable that is selected to optimally satisfy the requirements of anyparticular embodiment of the espresso machine cleaning tool 10.

A brush head, identified in general by the reference numeral 12, isattached to a neck 14 of the espresso machine cleaning tool 10 at afirst end of the neck 14 a.

The neck 14 includes a first longitudinal axis 16 that passes through acenter thereof. The brush head 12 includes a longitudinal axis 18passing through a center thereof. The longitudinal axis 18 of the brushhead 12 is preferably perpendicular with respect to the firstlongitudinal axis 16 of the neck 14.

A plurality of bristles 20 extend away from the neck 14 in a directionthat is parallel with, or nearly parallel to, the longitudinal axis 18and away from a top surface 14 c of the neck 14. Typically, the bristlesextend about one inch from the top surface 14 c, although any preferredlength is possible.

The bristles 20 are held together by a ferrule 22 that encircles them.Alternately, the bristles 20 are molded, for example in a plasticsurround, disposed within the ferrule 22. See also FIG. 3 which showsthe bristles 20 molded in place. The term “ferrule”, as used herein,applies to any component or part that encircles another.

The bristles 20 include any preferred material, for example, eithernylon or brass or other material, and they may be as stiff or as soft asdesired. When an especially frequent espresso machine cleaning regimenis utilized, the residue on the espresso machines will likely be minimaland easy to remove. Softer bristles 20 may then be preferred.

Conversely, when the cleaning regimen is further spaced apart, stifferbristles 20 may be preferred. Also, when infrequently cleaning certainparts of an espresso machine (not shown), perhaps those that requiredisassembly prior to their access, stiffer types of the bristles 20 maybe preferred.

The espresso machine cleaning tool 10 (this embodiment) is a unitarydevice that does not generally include replaceable parts. Accordingly,the bristles 20 of the standard tool 10 are expected to include a typeof material and length that is sufficient to meet most needs. Variousversions of the tool 10 can be offered for sale with different types,length, and materials used for the bristles 20 or any other componentpart thereof, as desired.

A protrusion 24 extends away from the first end 14 a of the neck 14 andis generally in alignment with the first longitudinal axis 16. Theprotrusion 24 is secured to the first end 14 a of the neck 14 by anypreferred method. A common method is to mold the protrusion 24 in thefirst end 14 a. Alternately, the protrusion 24 is forced into aprotrusion hole 24 a (FIG. 1) that is provided in the first end 14 a.According to a modification, an end of the protrusion 24 that isinserted into the protrusion hole 24 a may include screw threads,thereby firmly securing it to the espresso machine cleaning tool 10 andalso allowing replacement, if necessary. The protrusion 24 preferablyincludes a rounded, somewhat blunt end, although a pointed end may beused, if desired. The protrusion 24 can, of course, be molded as anintegral part of the tool 10, as desired.

A bottom cleaning surface 26 is provided on a side opposite that of thebristles 20. The bottom cleaning surface 26 may include shorter lengthbristles, or any type of a scrubbing pad, abrasive surface, etc., thatis desired. It is also possible that the bristles 20 can extend throughthe brush head 12 and the first neck end 14 a sufficient to protrudefrom the first neck end 14 a at a side opposite that of the bristles 20.

The bottom cleaning surface 26, in general, is useful for when a moreresistant cleaning situation is encountered. For example, the scrubbingpad or abrasive surface is useful at removing stubborn residue from theespresso machine.

Similarly, if the bristles 20 are allowed to extend through the espressomachine cleaning tool 10, the bottom cleaning surface 26 portions areconsiderably shorter in length. The shorter portions can accept greaterlevels of pressure being applied to them and are also useful in cleaningstubborn areas.

The neck 14 includes a second end 14 b that is distally disposed withrespect to the first end 14 a. A handle portion, identified in generalby the reference numeral 28, includes a first handle end 28 a and anopposite second handle end 28 b.

The first handle end 28 a is attached to the second end 14 b of the neck14 at a junction 30. The handle 28 includes a second longitudinal axis32 passing through a center thereof. An acute angle 34 is formedintermediate the first longitudinal axis 16 and the second longitudinalaxis 32 wherein, as the handle 28 extends further away from the neck 14,the distance intermediate the first longitudinal axis 16 and the secondlongitudinal axis 32 increases. The acute angle 34 is preferablyapproximately twenty-five degrees.

This angular structure of the handle 28 with respect to the neck 14 isparticularly useful in disposing a hand of a user (not shown) at aposition where sufficient force can be safely applied to the bristles 20to clean the espresso machine, as is described in greater detailhereinafter.

The acute angle 34 also allows the espresso machine cleaning tool 10 tobe held under the espresso machine whereby the neck 14 is at a slightlyelevated attitude so that the junction 30 is elevated above the firstend 14 a of the neck 14, as shown in FIG. 2. The slightly elevatedattitude of the neck 14 typically prevents hot water that is flowingthrough the espresso machine during cleaning from traversing the lengthof the neck 14 and reaching the handle 28. As is described in greaterdetail hereinafter, the handle 28 is grasped by the user and if asufficient quantity of hot water were to reach the handle 28 it is aptto scald the user.

A measuring scoop 36 is attached to the second handle end 28 b. Thescoop 36 includes a concave portion 38 that, when level, contains anoptimum amount of an espresso machine cleaning detergent (not shown).Even if a somewhat diminished quantity is obtained or a somewhat greaterquantity is obtained, the scoop 36 ensures that the quantity ofdetergent is sufficient to adequately clean most types of the espressomachine. Accordingly, the measuring scoop 36 provides means for Whileany size is possible, a typical overall length of the espresso machinecleaning tool 10 is from six to ten inches, with a preferable overalllength of about eight inches.

The neck 14 is preferably tapered from its junction 30 where it is atits widest and it narrows until it reaches the brush head 12. The neck14 is smaller than the first handle end 28 a.

The handle 28 also includes a taper and is widest at the first handleend 28 a and narrowest at the second handle end 28 b.

A thumb rest 40 is preferably included at an upper surface of the handle28 proximate the first handle end 28 a. The thumb rest 40 is preferablyoval in shape with a slightly concave center portion and a perimeterthat is raised with respect to a remainder of the upper surface of thefirst handle end 28 a. During use, the user places his or her thumb inthe thumb rest 40, as is described in greater detail hereinafter.

A logo 42 is optionally provided on the upper surface intermediate thethumb rest and the second handle end 28 b. Any other additionalinformation, as desired, is provided in this area as well. The logo 42can include that of the manufacturer of the espresso machine cleaningtool 10 or, alternately, the manufacturer of the espresso machinecleaning tool 10 may elect to include a logo of any commercial coffeehouse or of any espresso machine manufacturer, as desired.

To use the tool 10, the user grasps the tool 10 holding it along eitherthe neck 14 or handle 28 and using the scoop 36 obtains a measuredquantity of espresso machine cleaning detergent (not shown) which isplaced in the espresso machine portafilter, as is well known in theespresso machine cleaning arts.

The scoop 36 provides a means that is adapted for measuring a quantityof espresso machine detergent which ensures that a proper quantity ofdetergent is obtained. The user then grasps the handle 28 and places hisor her thumb on the thumb rest 40. This causes the bristles 20 to faceupward where they can be used to bear against group heads of theespresso machine or any other part of the espresso machine that is to becleaned.

If a stubborn stain or residue is encountered on the espresso machine,the tool is rotated about the second longitudinal axis 32 for 180degrees and the bottom cleaning surface 26 is used to clean the stubbornarea.

The protrusion 24 is used to penetrate and clean an orifice(s) (notshown) in an end of a steam wand that is common to virtually all typesof espresso cleaning machines. No present type of espresso machine toolis currently available that is designed to penetrate and clean thesetypes of orifices.

The protrusion 24 can be mounted anywhere as desired on the tool 10.However, being disposed at the first neck end 14 a maximally disposesthe protrusion 24 away from a distal end of the handle. Accordingly,maximum reach is provided as well as a good strong grip for the user toforce the protrusion 24 into the desired orifice(s).

After cleaning the orifice, steam is typically forced through the steamwand of the espresso machine. The steam can be used to remove any debristhat was dislodged by the protrusion 24 and which might otherwise remainin the wand prior to brewing any beverage for consumption.

Referring now in particular to FIG. 3, is shown a first modified type ofan espresso machine cleaning tool, identified in general by thereference numeral 50. The first modified tool 50 is similar to theespresso machine cleaning tool 10, except the scoop 36 and the logo 42have been eliminated. A palm rest 52 is provided at a distal end of amodified handle, identified in general by the reference numeral 54. Thepalm rest 52 can optionally contain an embedded magnet 56 which allowsthe user to attach the first modified type of an espresso machinecleaning tool 50 to a metallic side of the espresso machine or othermetallic surface where it is readily accessible for use.

Referring now in particular to FIG. 4, is shown a second modified typeof an espresso machine cleaning tool, identified in general by thereference numeral 60. The second modified tool 60 is similar to thefirst modified espresso machine cleaning tool 50, except a sphericalcleaning member 62 is disposed on a side opposite the bristles 20, wherethe bottom cleaning surface 26 of the espresso machine cleaning tool 10is disposed. The spherical cleaning member 62 is useful for cleaningcertain types of the espresso machine.

Referring now in particular to FIGS. 5-10, is shown a third modifiedtype of an espresso machine cleaning tool, identified in general by thereference numeral 100 (FIGS. 5, 6, 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B, and 10) and a fourthmodified type of an espresso machine cleaning tool, identified ingeneral by the reference numeral 200 in FIG. 7. Only a small differenceexists between the two (100, 200) and it is useful to hold all of thesedrawing figures in view simultaneously of two preferred embodiments.

Referring now primarily to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, a modified neck,identified in general by the reference numeral 102, is attached to thehandle 28 at a modified neck second end 102 b. The angle 34 is againpreferred between the handle 28 and the modified neck 102 for thereasons mentioned hereinabove.

The modified neck 102 includes a modified neck first end 102 a that isdistally disposed with respect to the modified neck second end 102 b.The modified neck first end 102 a is shown in FIG. 5 in cross-sectiontaken through a center thereof, as identified by cross-hatching.

The modified neck first end 102 a includes an enlarged circular portionwith threads 104 in a center opening thereof. The threads 104 areadapted to cooperate with corresponding threads 106 of a detachableremovable brush head, identified in general by the reference numeral 108(see FIGS. 9A, 9B).

A pair of small protruding diametrically opposed tabs 110 are providedon an exterior ferrule 112 to allow grasping of the removable brush head108 for threading it into and out of the center opening.

This allows for easy replacement of the removable brush head 108 when itwears. It also allows for an important, yet unexpected benefit. Bypermitting rapid exchange of various types of the removable brush head108, different length and material types of the bristles 20 can beinserted and removed in the third modified type of an espresso machinecleaning tool 100 for virtually instant use when difficult or unusualcleaning situations arise.

This allows for the use of longer bristles 20 to clean hard to reachareas as well as the use of stiffer bristles 21 (FIG. 10). The stifferbristles 21, as shown, are shorter than the bristles 20 and are made ofbrass instead of nylon. Other materials are, of course, possible.

Accordingly, the third modified type of an espresso machine cleaningtool 100 provides exceptional versatility and long life and isapplicable for use in the cleaning of commercial types of espressomachines as well as home espresso machines.

If desired, a ferrule support 114 is provided as part of either theprotrusion 24 or the modified neck first end 102 a to provide extrasupport for the protrusion 24. If the protrusion 24 is threaded into themodified neck first end 102 a, the ferrule support 114 allows for easiergrasping and turning.

Referring now to FIGS. 5, 6, 7, 8A, 8B, and 10 is shown a waterdeflector means, identified in general by the reference numeral 116. Thewater deflector 116 prevents a potential damaging amount of hot waterfrom reaching the handle 28 portion, where it might otherwise scald theuser.

Were it not for the water deflector 116, it is possible that the usermight tilt the tool 100 downward during use (see FIG. 10) an amount thatwould also provide a downward tilt to the modified neck 102 sufficientso that capillary action would convey a quantity of hot water flowingpast the bristles 20 along the modified neck 102 and to the handle 28where is could scald the thumb (not shown) and other parts of the user'shand (not shown).

The water deflector 116 includes a first annular ring 118 proximate themodified neck first end 102 a. The first annular ring 118 protrudes fromthe modified neck 102 and is shown in cross-section in FIG. 8A.

Water attempting to flow over the top of the modified neck 102 towardthe handle 28 initially encounters the first annular ring 118. A portionof the water flows down prior to the first annular ring 118 and, if asufficient quantity of water is present, a remainder thereof flows overthe top of the first annular ring 118 and toward a second annular ring120.

The second annular ring 120 is similar to the first annular ring 118,except the second annular ring 120 extends even further away frommodified neck 102 than does the first annular ring 118 along the sidesof the modified neck 102, identified in general by the reference numeral122, and along the bottom, identified in general by the referencenumeral 124.

The remaining quantity of water that reaches the second annular ring 120and flows down prior to the second annular ring 120 and, if a sufficientremaining quantity of water is present, a further remainder thereofflows over the top of the second annular ring 120 and toward a thirdannular ring 126. The process is repeated, if there is additional water,along a fourth annular ring 128 and a fifth annular ring 130.

Each of the annular rings 118, 120, 126, 128, 130 increases the amountit extends away from the modified neck 102 along the sides 122 andbottom 124. The progressive increase in the size of the annular rings118, 120, 126, 128, 130 moving away from the modified neck first end 102a effectively channels even a large quantity of water downward, prior toreaching the handle 28, as shown by arrows 132 (FIG. 10), therebyvirtually eliminating any chance of scalding to the user.

The progressive increase in size of the annular rings 118, 120, 126,128, 130 stops water from flowing along the sides 122 and bottom 124(i.e., the underside) of the tool 100 and is effective for a small rateof water flow to a large rate of flow.

Accordingly, any water attempting to flow along the modified neck 102encounters an increasingly difficult path as the water proceeds alongthe modified neck 102 toward the handle 28.

Referring momentarily back to FIG. 7, the fourth modified type of anespresso machine cleaning tool 200 is similar to the third modified typeof an espresso machine cleaning tool 100 except the logo 42 and thethumb rest 40 have been omitted. Also, a modified cleaning surface 202is shown as an exposed surface of a modified type of replaceable brushhead. The modified cleaning surface 202 includes any preferred abrasivematerial, scouring surface, etc, that is deemed to be useful in cleaningthe espresso machine.

The invention has been shown, described, and illustrated in substantialdetail with reference to the presently preferred embodiment. It will beunderstood by those skilled in this art that other and further changesand modifications may be made without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention which is defined by the claims appended hereto.For example, the various embodiments described herein can be included inany preferred combination of the tool (not shown).

1. An espresso machine cleaning tool, comprising: (a) a neck having afirst end and an opposite second end and a first longitudinal axispassing through a center thereof; (b) a handle having a first end and anopposite second end and wherein said opposite second end of said neck isattached to said first end of said handle and a second longitudinal axispassing through a center thereof; and (c) a brush attached to said firstend of said neck; wherein said first longitudinal axis and said secondlongitudinal axis are not parallel and an angle is formed between saidfirst longitudinal axis and said second longitudinal axis.
 2. Theespresso machine cleaning tool of claim 1 wherein said angle is lessthan ninety degrees and wherein a distance intermediate said firstlongitudinal axis and said second longitudinal axis increases inmagnitude toward said opposite second end of said handle.
 3. Theespresso machine cleaning tool of claim 1 including a protrusionattached thereto, said protrusion adapted to enter into an orifice in anespresso machine.
 4. The espresso machine cleaning tool of claim 1wherein said handle includes means adapted for measuring a quantity ofespresso machine detergent disposed at said second end of said handle.5. The espresso machine cleaning tool of claim 4 wherein means adaptedfor measuring includes a scoop, and wherein said includes a concaveportion adapted for receiving a quantity of said detergent therein, andwherein said concave portion is open on a side of said tool that saidbrush is disposed.
 6. The espresso machine cleaning tool of claim 1including a thumb rest disposed on said handle proximate said first endof said handle.
 7. The espresso machine cleaning tool of claim 1including a logo disposed on said handle intermediate said first end ofsaid handle and said second end of said handle.
 8. The espresso machinecleaning tool of claim 1 wherein said brush includes a plurality ofbristles and wherein said bristles extend generally away from a surfaceof said neck.
 9. The espresso machine cleaning tool of claim 8 includinga bottom cleaning surface disposed on a side opposite said plurality ofbristles.
 10. The espresso machine cleaning tool of claim 9 wherein saidbottom cleaning surface includes an abrasive surface.
 11. The espressomachine cleaning tool of claim 9 wherein said bottom cleaning surfaceincludes a spherical cleaning member.
 12. The espresso machine cleaningtool of claim 9 wherein said bottom cleaning surface includes a secondsaid of bristles and wherein said second set of bristles include ashorter exposed length than said bristles.
 13. The espresso machinecleaning tool of claim 12 wherein said second set of bristles includesan extension of said bristles through said tool.
 14. The espressomachine cleaning tool of claim 1 wherein said brush includes a removablebrush head, and wherein said removable brush head includes means fordetachably-attaching said removable brush head to said neck.
 15. Theespresso machine cleaning tool of claim 15 wherein said means fordetachably-attaching said removable brush head includes screw threadsdisposed in an opening provided in said neck and corresponding screwthreads disposed on an exterior of said removable brush head, andwherein said screw threads and said corresponding screw threads areadapted to cooperate together.
 16. The espresso machine cleaning tool ofclaim 15 including a ferrule, said ferrule attached to said removablebrush head and wherein said ferrule is adapted to retain a quantity ofbristles proximate one-another.
 17. The espresso machine cleaning toolof claim 16 including means adapted for engaging said ferrule sufficientto rotate said ferrule.
 18. The espresso machine cleaning tool of claim17 wherein said means adapted for engaging said ferrule includes a pairof tabs that extend from diametrically opposite ends of said ferrule.19. The espresso machine cleaning tool of claim 1 including means fordeflecting a quantity of water that is adapted to contact said neck awayfrom handle.
 20. The espresso machine cleaning tool of claim 19 whereinsaid means for deflecting a quantity of water includes at least oneannular ring disposed on said neck, said annular ring extending apredetermined distance away from said neck.
 21. The espresso machinecleaning tool of claim 20 wherein said at least one annular ringincludes a plurality of annular rings disposed on said neck in a spacedapart parallel relationship with respect to each other.
 22. The espressomachine cleaning tool of claim 21 wherein a portion of each of saidplurality of annular rings extends a different distance away from saidneck at a bottom thereof.
 23. The espresso machine cleaning tool ofclaim 22 wherein each of said plurality of annular rings that isdisposed closest to said first end of said neck extends a lesser amountaway from said neck at said bottom thereof than does an adjacent one ofsaid plurality of annular rings that is disposed further away from saidfirst end of said neck.
 24. The espresso machine cleaning tool of claim21 wherein a portion of each of said plurality of annular rings extendsa different distance away from said neck at a side thereof.
 25. Theespresso machine cleaning tool of claim 24 wherein each of saidplurality of annular rings that is disposed closest to said first end ofsaid neck extends a lesser amount away from said neck at said sidethereof than does an adjacent one of said plurality of annular ringsthat is disposed further away from said first end of said neck.
 26. Animproved espresso machine cleaning tool, wherein the improvementcomprises: including a removable brush head that is adapted to beattached to said tool and which is adapted to be removed apart from saidtool.
 27. The improvement of claim 26 wherein said removable brush headincludes a cleaning surface.
 28. The improvement of claim 26 whereinsaid cleaning surface includes a plurality of bristles.
 29. Theimprovement of claim 28 wherein said removable brush head includes aferrule and a plurality of bristles disposed within said ferrule.
 30. Animproved espresso machine cleaning tool, wherein the improvementcomprises: including a protrusion that is attached to said tool andwherein said protrusion includes a length and a diameter that is adaptedto enter into an orifice in a steam wand of an espresso machine andwherein said protrusion extends from said tool a sufficient amount. 31.An improved espresso machine cleaning tool, wherein the improvementcomprises: including means adapted for deflecting water off of saidtool.
 32. The improvement to an espresso machine of claim 31 whereinsaid means for deflecting water includes at least one annular ringdisposed along a portion of a member of said tool, said annular ringextending from said member along a perimeter thereof, and wherein saidmember is disposed intermediate a brush and a handle portion of saidtool.
 33. The improvement to an espresso machine of claim 32 whereinsaid member includes a plurality of annular rings in a spaced apartparallel relationship with respect to each other.
 34. The improvement toan espresso machine of claim 33 wherein a portion of each of saidplurality of annular rings extends a different distance away from saidmember.
 35. The improvement to an espresso machine of claim 34 whereineach of said plurality of annular rings that is disposed closest to saidbrush extends a lesser amount away from said member than does anadjacent one of said plurality of annular rings that is disposed furtheraway from said brush.
 36. An improved espresso machine cleaning tool,wherein the improvement comprises: including a measuring scoop disposedat an end of a handle of said tool, said measuring scoop adapted toretain a predetermined quantity of an espresso machine detergent whensaid scoop is urged into said detergent.